Oct. 8, 2002

Paul understood some things regarding his failures, weaknesses and faults that we as believers today have a hard time comprehending. In "Christianity", how we look on the outside is important to our success. That very mindset is opposed to the moving of God's Spirit and His glory being revealed in us. For some reason we want to focus on the Glory and think that we must stifle or hide any hint of lack or failing on our part.

We pursue this Glory, without seeing first the steps of brokenness and humility that must mark us as weak, frail and unfit for anything apart from Him. The fault really lies with us, as we hold unto a self righteousness that wants to shove our "bad" points under the rug, and flaunt our "good" points before men. This is nothing more then eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. We are not truly convinced we are without any merit or ability apart from Jesus.

Humility is seeing the truth about ourselves in the light that God sees us in. Being humble always is the first step to receiving from the Lord. I am convinced that apart from seeing ourselves as He sees us, we will never see Him as He wants us to see Him. For it is seeing Him that changes us from what we are into what He desires us to be. When we can see Him, THEN we are changed from Glory to Glory. But this cannot be done apart from the humility that comes from seeing the TRUTH about who and what we really are; weak, frail, and prone to failure.

1Co 1:27 but God chose the foolish things of the world, that he might put to shame them that are wise; and God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong;

How dare you say that Paul?! We don't need your ancient Christianity anymore, we are about to enter into the "Days Of Glory". We must confess all that is right and never ever mention the fact that we may struggle with lust. If we ignore it, it will go away.

As a matter of fact it is this very ignoring and hiding of weaknesses has destroyed ministries and ministers of the gospel. Our pedestal Christianity has made gods out of ministers who could do no wrong lest the money and fame quit flowing. I believe these great leaders the Lord chose were those with great weakness in order that they may not glory in themselves, but that God may be given Glory for His great ability to be strong in their weakness.

Brokenness is not being destroyed emotionally or physically. It is coming to the end of your own efforts to maintain your righteousness by your ability. It is facing the fact of your inadequacy and trusting the Lord to be in you what you cannot be yourself.

The more I mature in the Lord, the more I see weakness and failure among the people of God. I also see more of my own great failure and weakness. This gives me the desire to forgive, cover, and help these fulfill their destiny even in the midst of great failure. I used to think that these "visible" great leaders were a cut above me in many ways. I am now convinced it is about God's choosing and not anything to do with good character traits.

God's Glory can rest on ANYONE who is willing to humble themselves and embrace their weaknesses.

In
Him
Kriston Couchey
kcouchey@juno.com